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Six Concordia University students serve on Urban Plunge trip

Seward, Neb. (04/13/2018) — Six members of the Concordia University women's soccer program spent their spring break in Las Vegas with Urban Plunge doing mission work along the Vegas strip, interacting with homeless communities in the area and organizing meals and clothing donations for children.

Urban Plunge is based out of Christ for the City in Omaha. The organization offers volunteers the opportunities to go on mission trips throughout the world as well as in cities throughout the United States.

"The most rewarding thing about this trip was just being able to help so many different organizations," said junior soccer captain Maria Deeter. "Every place we went there was some sort of physical success seen whether it be food packaged, clothes sorted or lives touched through prayer and organization. The impact also went far beyond people's lives. It helped us grow closer."

The soccer six, along with assistant volleyball coach Abby Pollart, helped out wherever they could during their time in Vegas, which began on March 6. The students completely reorganized a children's clothing section of a thrift store with Opportunity Village and packed 8,800 lunches for kids in support of Nevada's largest food pantry, Three Square. Along the way, they also worked with organizations such as Project 150, which collects donations and operates a children's boutique. Additional activities included praying with community members, working at a soup kitchen, preparing of sanitary kits for the homeless and sorting clothing.

"The experiences that I came home with were something I will never forget," said freshman Chelsea Bright. "I went with friends and came home with family. It helped us think about what we could bring back to Concordia with us to positively impact our campus. My eyes were opened to how much the world needs our help, not only in Vegas but also in our backyards where people are struggling each day. Taking a second and helping others will only make you a better person."

Students attending the trip include:

Kaylee Brown, junior, Fort Collins, Colo.

Jennika Chapman, freshman, Westminster, Colo.

Chelsea Bright, freshman, Van Meter, Iowa

Hannah Sain, junior, Lincoln, Neb.

Taylor Roby, senior, Omaha, Neb.

Maria Deeter, junior, Seward, Neb.

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Six Concordia students (L-R) Chelsea Bright, Hannah Sain, Jennika Chapman, Taylor Roby, Maria Deeter, Kaylee Brown and assistant volleyball coach Abby Pollart serve in Las Vegas with Urban Plunge and Project 150.